Tunderstand the forces responsible for the formation of tsunamis, one must first understand the basic forces at work within the earth. These forces are an integral part of the ever- changing planet on which we live, and have built the earth's mountains and shaped continents and oceans. They continue to fascinate amateur and professional observers alike, and are responsible for earthquakes, landslides, volcanoes, and tsunamis.

The study of tsunamis involves several areas, including geol- ogy, physics, and mathematics. Geologists who study tsunamis may specialize in seismology (the study of earth movements) or in volcanology (the study of volcanoes). Physicists may specialize in fluid mechanics (the study of how water and gases move) or in geophysics (how earth movements are related to friction, gravity, and sound waves). Mathematicians contribute to the study of tsunamis by developing models of wave movement, height, speed, and potential damage...